Crowd on Artists’ Row for Howl-o-ween – Photo Credit Creative Salem
In case there was any doubt, last weekend confirmed it – the Halloween season has arrived in full force in Salem, MA! While there’s little we love more than introducing people to our beloved city, many residents have mixed feelings about Salem’s popularity this time of year. Some even make it a practice to avoid coming downtown for the entire month.
But is this self-imposed exile really necessary? There are many times throughout the week when the downtown is accessible as usual, and truth be told, the local businesses miss their regulars! If the Halloween crowds aren’t for you, remember that things usually start to quiet down as early as Sunday night, and there’s really no need to stay away on Mondays, Tuesdays, or Wednesdays (or even Thursdays). Some businesses have even pointed out that mornings on Saturday and Sunday can still be relatively quiet.
So don’t deny yourself your favorite haunts, just change your habits! Even better – a number of Salem businesses actually offer specials for Salem residents during the month of October. We’ve pulled together a list of just a few great ways for Salemites to enjoy the downtown over the next few weeks:
GREAT DEALS FOR EVERYONE
- Boston Woodturning on Artists’ Row – Free woodturning demonstrations, lessons Tues, Wed, and the weekends, and a special on select items in the retail gallery during the month of October
- Clever Diva Boutique and Consignment – 20% off yellow tag items everyday, open til 8pm
- House of Seven Gables – 20% discount on general membership for first-time members in the month of October
- J. Mode – Double points on purchases 10/10 through 10/30
- Longboards – Local musicians and ½-off quesadillas every Monday from 9 pm-11:30 pm. ½ priced burgers on Tuesday 9 pm-11 pm. Trivia on Wednesdays starting at 8 pm, with $5 off lobster rolls starting at 9 pm.
- O’Neill’s – 25 cent wings and live music on Mondays
- Opus – Monday through Thursday, offers a 5-5-5 menu – five of the restaurant’s most popular appetizers, for just $5 each AND $1 oysters, available from 5:00 to 6:00 pm
- Salem Dental Arts – has changed their weekday hours to 7am-3pm during October.
- Waters and Brown – has a HUGE fall sale going on this month
SPECIALS JUST FOR LOCALS DURING OCTOBER (Whoohoo!)
- Edward John Home Decor – 10% off for residents
- Far From the Tree – Wednesday and Sunday, 20% discount to Salem residents with ID
- The Happy Sunflower – $5 off any $25 purchase, open until at least 8pm
- Kan.del – 10% discount for Sunday nights from 4pm to 8pm
- Laura Lanes Skin Care – 15% off services Tues-Fri for Salem residents AND people who work in Salem.
- Ocean Chic Boutique – 10% off for residents
- Partridge in a Bear Tree – 10% off for residents, open every night until at least 9
- RJ Coins & Jewelry – 20% off jewelry repair and insurance appraisals Mon – Wed with proof of residency
- Salem Theatre – Salem Resident Night on Thursday, October 22 for “Rocky Horror Picture Show” – $5 off your ticket at the door with an ID! Discount tickets are also available online – printed ticket and ID must be presented at the door.
- Salem Witch Walk – free for locals; and notes that, as long as they’re not sold out, some tour companies offer free or discounted tours to Salem residents.
And last but not least, don’t miss the LAST TWO WEEKS of the Salem Farmers’ Market – Thursday, Oct. 15 and Thursday, Oct. 22, 3 pm to 7 pm on Derby Square!
What say you, Salemites? What are your favorite tricks or treats for navigating downtown Salem during the month of October?
